Bella Gioia
Kenton Wright Race Images
The benefit of recent racing will stand Bella Gioia in good stead at Hastings on Saturday.
Trainer Shaune Ritchie is hoping his filly will have a fitness edge over her rivals in the Gr.3 Hawke's Bay Breeders' Gold Trail Stakes.
"Most of the top fillies either haven't had a run or just one, whereas she has had two this time in," Ritchie said.
"She's had one at 1200 and one at 1100 metres and she's probably looking for 1400 metres already.
"We're keen to dodge the colts because they look strong this year and the Gold Trail will give us a good line."
The only down side is the Swiss Ace filly, who is a half-sister to the stakes winner Niki Piki Milo, will have to jump from a wide gate with the responsibility to overcome that handicap to rest with Danielle Johnson.
Fifth at her Boxing Day debut last season, Bella Gioia was then given a break and she beat the stakes placed Impulsive Habit when she re-appeared at Te Rapa in July.
The Swiss Ace filly was then successful in Johnson's hands at Taupo where the runner-up was It's Time For Magic, who won the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes at Wanganui at her next outing.
"The form around her is sound enough," Ritchie said. "We'd like to target the 1000 Guineas and she goes best with her races spaced so she would only have one more after Hawke's Bay." – NZ Racing Desk.
Trainer Shaune Ritchie is hoping his filly will have a fitness edge over her rivals in the Gr.3 Hawke's Bay Breeders' Gold Trail Stakes.
"Most of the top fillies either haven't had a run or just one, whereas she has had two this time in," Ritchie said.
"She's had one at 1200 and one at 1100 metres and she's probably looking for 1400 metres already.
"We're keen to dodge the colts because they look strong this year and the Gold Trail will give us a good line."
The only down side is the Swiss Ace filly, who is a half-sister to the stakes winner Niki Piki Milo, will have to jump from a wide gate with the responsibility to overcome that handicap to rest with Danielle Johnson.
Fifth at her Boxing Day debut last season, Bella Gioia was then given a break and she beat the stakes placed Impulsive Habit when she re-appeared at Te Rapa in July.
The Swiss Ace filly was then successful in Johnson's hands at Taupo where the runner-up was It's Time For Magic, who won the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes at Wanganui at her next outing.
"The form around her is sound enough," Ritchie said. "We'd like to target the 1000 Guineas and she goes best with her races spaced so she would only have one more after Hawke's Bay." – NZ Racing Desk.
